Cat Asthma
Compared to other respiratory diseases, such as cat flu, asthma is not very common in cats.
How cat asthma develops and the symptoms it causes are explained below. We'll also explain how the diagnosis is made and what treatments are available for asthma in cats.
Causes of asthma in cats
In most cases asthma in cats is caused by allergic reactions. The respiratory disease can be both acute and chronic and can be caused by various allergens.
In addition to house dust mites, plant pollen, particularly dusty cat litter, cleaning agents or perfume can also trigger asthma in cats.
If a cat suffering from asthma comes into contact with the corresponding allergen, this leads to inflammatory reactions in the body. In addition, the muscles of the bronchial tubes tense up, causing them to constrict and the four-legged friend cannot breathe properly.
Recognizing symptoms of asthma in cats
The typical symptoms of cat asthma are acute shortness of breath accompanied by panting and whistling noises. A crouched posture and wide open eyes are a clear sign that the cat does not get enough air.
During an acute asthma attack the cat usually sticks out their tongue. Occasionally it can also happen that the tongue of the cat is discoloured blue during the attack.
The cat's asthma attack may be over after a few minutes or may last for several hours. In some cases, the cat may have been coughing for a while before the attack, so cat owners can sometimes tell that the time is near.
Cats with asthma are a case for the vet
If you think that your cat is suffering from asthma, you should always consult a vet. The veterinarian can examine your quadruped thoroughly and find out if you are right in your suspicions.
To do this he will first listen to your cat's lungs with a stethoscope and take x-rays. However, further examinations are necessary for a reliable diagnosis.
In addition to cat asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary worms or bronchitis may also be responsible for your cat's symptoms. It is important to rule these out first, which is why the vet will usually also perform a lavage and examine your pet's blood and faeces.
Treat cat asthma
Once the diagnosis of Feline's asthma has been established, the next step is treatment. Because untreated cat asthma can be fatal for affected animals. To avoid this, the veterinarian will determine suitable treatment measures.
Since allergic asthma cannot be cured, your cat must receive treatment for the rest of their life. However, with certain triggers, such as pollen, seasonal treatments may be sufficient.
Treatment for Feline Asthma includes medications to dilate the bronchial tubes. In addition, cats with asthma usually receive cortisone. Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect and can alleviate the allergic reactions responsible for the asthma attacks.
Alternatively, if your cat refuses to take tablets, there is the option of treating the cat's asthma with an inhalation spray. This is administered to the quadruped using a breathing mask, such as those used to treat small children.
In addition, so-called depot syringes for the administration of cortisone are available for particularly unstable animals. Which variant is the right choice must be considered in each individual case in consultation with the veterinarian.
Tips for owners of cats with asthma
A cure for asthma in your cat is not possible. However, there are some things you can do to support your four-legged friend in his daily life and reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks.
It is particularly important to keep your home as clean and dust-free as possible. However, when cleaning and vacuuming, make sure your cat is not in the same room, and air it out thoroughly each time you do so.
If the cat litter is very dusty, it is recommended that you use a less dusty product in the future. If your cat has asthma, do not smoke in the house or use perfume or deodorant in the immediate vicinity.
Cat asthma is a strain on the immune system
Your cat's immune system is under great strain due to asthma. For this reason we recommend supporting the defences of the four-legged friend with a suitable food supplement.
Shiimun Immune is particularly reliable and gentle. The natural preparation contains high-quality natural ingredients, such as shiitake, and can make a valuable contribution to strengthening the immune system of your cat suffering from asthma.
Prognosis for cats with asthma
Which consequences the diagnosis of cat asthma has for your quadruped depends mainly on the severity of the disease. In most cases, asthma in cats can be controlled quite well with medication.
Nevertheless, a severe asthma attack can be fatal for cats. In addition, the long-term administration of cortisone as part of the treatment of Feline Asthma can cause side effects. These include a significantly increased risk of your cat developing diabetes.
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